Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): As gentle monsoon showers touched the earth, the resonating sound of ghungroos (ankle bells) filled the hall of the Academy of Administration, setting the stage for a soulful evening of classical dance. The occasion was a special Kathak performance by renowned dancer Alpana Vajpeyi, organised by the SPIC MACAY Bhopal Chapter for young trainees undergoing various training programmes at the academy.
The performance opened with a distinctive piece from the Raigarh gharana tradition, inspired by Raja Chakradhar Singh’s composition based on Yajurvedic Paran. Alpana Vajpeyi reinterpreted this piece with fresh aesthetics. Set in Raag Bhairav, the composition followed the structure of Vedic chants and beautifully incorporated expressive movements (aangik abhinaya) from all three Vedas.
This was followed by two compositions — pure Kathak and a group performance invoking Lord Shiva. Both pieces were technically precise and emotionally stirring, showcasing fine rhythm work, graceful spins, and expressive storytelling. The performance reflected the rich blend of the Jaipur and Lucknow gharanas, while highlighting the innovative spirit of the Raigarh tradition.
The finale, titled "Ghir-Ghir Aaye Badarwa" (The gathering clouds arrive), was a solo composition in Raag Miyan Gaud Malhar. With striking expression, delicacy, and grace, Alpana Vajpeyi brought alive the joy, glow, and beauty of the rainy season. The audience was visibly moved by the lyrical quality of the performance.
Alpana Vajpeyi shared insights into the Raigarh gharana, the youngest among the Kathak traditions. She noted, “This gharana evolved by absorbing the nuances of both Lucknow and Jaipur styles, enriched by the imagination and scholarship of many great gurus. Over the past seventy years, it has produced several renowned dancers known for their authenticity, innovation, and precision across the world.”
